If you’ve got kids and live in—or are moving to—the Tacoma and Olympia area, you’re in luck. This part of the South Sound is full of family-friendly attractions, kid-approved activities, and fun things to do that don’t require battling Seattle traffic.
Whether it’s a rainy weekend, a school holiday, or you just need to get out of the house, here are my go-to ideas for things to do with kids in Tacoma and Olympia—all tested by a local parent.
✈️ Olympic Flight Museum – Fun for Kids in Olympia, WA
You don’t have to drive all the way to Seattle’s Museum of Flight to inspire your little aviator. The Olympic Flight Museum in Olympia is an underrated gem—small enough to explore in under an hour, affordable (kids under 6 are free!), and packed with vintage aircraft, helicopters, and even a few hands-on exhibits.
Bonus tip: Visit during their annual airshow in June—it’s an unforgettable event for all ages.
🏛️ Children’s Museums in Tacoma & Olympia
1. Children’s Museum of Tacoma – Creative Indoor Play
Located in downtown Tacoma and operating on a “pay as you will” model, this beautifully designed space feels like a living Pinterest board for creative play. Think imaginative exhibits, water tables, art studios—and coffee for parents.
2. Hands On Children’s Museum – Olympia’s Largest Kids Museum
This is a full-day adventure. With indoor and outdoor exhibits, a climbing structure, STEM activities, and rotating programs, it’s worth getting a membership if you’re local.
3. JBLM Children’s Museum Annex – Family Fun on Base
A smaller, quieter version of the Olympia museum located on base—perfect for short visits or low-key afternoons. Also “pay as you will.”
⛵ Foss Waterway Seaport Museum – Tacoma’s Boat Museum for Kids
If your child loves boats, ropes, pulleys, or just climbing on things, the Foss Waterway Seaport Museum is the perfect spot. Known by my son as simply “the boat museum,” it offers hands-on maritime exhibits, real boats to explore, and interactive displays right on Tacoma’s waterfront.
Best of all: As of Summer 2025, admission is free! Pair your visit with a stroll along the Thea Foss Waterway Esplanade and grab ice cream at Ice Cream Social or coffee at Anthem.
🐾 Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium – Tacoma’s Top Family Attraction
Part zoo, part aquarium, and completely kid-friendly, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is walkable, rarely too crowded, and located inside Point Defiance Park. See polar bears, sharks, tigers, and more. You can make a full day of it with a picnic, a playground stop, and a walk along the beach.
🏃 Rainy Day Activities for Kids in Tacoma & Olympia: Trampoline Parks
When it’s gray and the kids are bouncing off the walls, let them bounce somewhere safer:
- Defy Tacoma – Multiple activity zones, toddler jump hours, and a surprisingly good coffee bar.
- BoomShaka Olympia – Spacious, with ninja courses and good visibility for parents keeping an eye on multiple kids.
- Catapult Adventure Park Lakewood – Toddler area, arcade, and the daring “cat walk” for older kids.
🌳 Best Playgrounds in Tacoma, Olympia, and the South Sound
1. Fort Steilacoom Park – Lakewood’s Largest Playground
A massive, well-kept playground with ziplines, climbing nets, and picnic areas. Bonus: a 22-acre fenced dog park and paved trails for bikes and scooters.
2. Melanie Jan LaPlant Dressel Park – Tacoma Waterfront Play
A newer playground along Tacoma’s waterway with a giant slide, natural climbing features, and views of passing boats.
3. East Bay Public Plaza – Olympia Splash Pad & Playground
Right next to the Hands On Children’s Museum, this splash pad and nature-themed play area is a summer favorite.
4. Titlow Park – Tacoma Playground with Beach Access
A train-themed play structure, beach access, and tide pool exploring make this a great mix of play and nature.
5. Tumwater Falls Park – Adventure Playground in Olympia
Located where the Deschutes River feeds into Capitol Lake, this playground features a giant zipline, rope maze, and enclosed three-story slides.
6. Bell Hill Park – DuPont’s Giant Slide Playground
Quiet, scenic, and surrounded by trails. The two-story slides here are thrilling for both kids and adults.
🍻 Kid-Friendly Breweries in Tacoma & Olympia
Parenting doesn’t mean giving up good beer—just choose a family-friendly brewery:
In Tacoma:
- E9 Brewing (6th Ave) – Outdoor seating, relaxed vibe, and walkable to food spots.
- Sig Brewing (Downtown) – Great pizza, casual setting, and coloring sheets for kids.
In Olympia:
- Well 80 Brewhouse – Full menu with kids’ options and a spacious, historic downtown location.
- Top Rung Brewing – Firefighter-owned, community-focused, with lawn games and picnic tables.
👋 From One Local Parent to Another…
I’m not just a realtor—I’m a local parent who knows that a great neighborhood is about more than home prices. It’s about having places to play, explore, and connect.
Whether you’re stationed at JBLM, relocating to Washington, or searching for your next family home, I can help you find the right fit—and give you the inside scoop on the best kids activities in Tacoma, Olympia, and the South Sound.
Questions about schools, neighborhoods, or finding a home with space for a trampoline? Let’s talk.
